Pollution is now a part of our life. We do not see it but we experience it. We cannot live without breathing, and I know that sounds like a silly statement, but it is a fact, and yet we directly or indirectly contribute to contaminating the very thing, “air”, that we take into our body with every breath. Air Pollution is serious, and we have to wake up before irreparable damage is done.
What is Air Pollution?
Air pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere, as said by WHO.
Study has revealed that Air Pollution is a threat to the healthy of not only humans but animals and plants, it is estimated that around 7 million pre mature deaths happen every year due to the pollution of the air.
What causes Air Pollution?
Industrial emission of harmful gases.
Burning of Fossil Fuels
Wildfires
Motor Vehicles
Burning of garbage waste in the open.
Use of pesticides and toxic fertilisers
Indoor pollution: using of substance high in VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) at home, etc.
Latest research, has shown a drop in the number of insects due to Air Pollution. Researchers from the University of Melbourne, Beijing Forestry University and the California University Davis have reported that insects use antenna to find food and mate, but now due to pollution in the air, the antennas of the insects are contaminated which has eventually led to decrease in the number of insects.
Insects are essential beings, some pollinate that helps crops and some are known for decomposing, that they break down dead materials. Some insects are natural predators and keep pests under control.
Insects, are the primary food for many predators, without them the food web may collapse.
Every being on this Earth is precious and contributes to the well being of our planet in one way or another. We have to consciously make a effort to let the species other than humans not decline due to pollution caused by human activities alone.
In this just one part of the whole damage is caused due to Air Pollution.